By John J. Sande

The Alumni Relations Department in collaboration with the USIU-Africa Alumni organized for an Alumni Dinner, Uganda Chapter that was held on Friday, November 29, at the Kampala Skyz, Proteal Hotel. The memorable evening of camaraderie, celebration, and inspiration was attended by a diverse mix of alumni from various graduating classes, honored guests and parents, in a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and support that defines our university community.

In her opening and welcoming remarks, the acting Chair of the USIU-Africa Alumni, Ms. Hannah Moturi set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt call to action.

“Together, we stand and remain stronger. Our shared experiences as USIU-Africa alumni bind us in a network of limitless potential,” she said. Here words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the unique opportunities inherent in staying connected as she reminded all to support and uplift one another.

Presiding over the event, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of fostering a vibrant alumni network to further USIU-Africa’s mission of excellence and impact. His address was both inspiring and visionary, emphasizing the role of alumni as ambassadors and stakeholders in the growth of the university. Banking on the agility that the university imparts on its students, the VC was proud to be associated with the numerous alumni who were creating a positive impact and solutions on the Ugandan market, and outlined key areas for collaboration including focusing on mentorship, networking, and philanthropy to uplift current students and alumni.

“The USIU-Africa story doesn’t end at graduation – it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of impact and collaboration. And I am excited to see the amazing collaboration and creativity seen here because the greatest gift we can give each other is the power of connection and opportunity. When we come together as alumni, we create a ripple effect that inspires, supports, and elevates everyone involved,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Hon. Shartsi Musherure, Member of Parliament (MP) Mawagola North, Sembabule District, delivered an inspiring address centered on the theme, ‘The Power of Alumni Collaboration: Rebuilding through Education and Integration.’ Hon. Musherure emphasized the importance of leveraging collective resources, skills, and networks to create opportunities for individual and collective success that rely on peace, stability and the rule of law.

“Our unity and collective capacity provide us with the opportunity to collaborate in addressing these challenges through a functional education, and the building of strong institutions that enables development of the capacity to address these challenges,” she said.

Quoting the famous influential leaders who passed thorough University of East Africa that served Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda including the late President Mwai Kibaki, Hon. Ayang’ Nyong’o, and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o among others, Hon. Musherure encourage the attendees to continue supporting each other, and use the power of education to create solutions, mentor, and give back to the society.

“The reestablishment of the East African Community in 1999 was a step in the right direction. Together, we can achieve more than we ever imagined. The alumni network is not just a title – it’s a family. And families thrive when they stand together. Let us embrace this spirit and continue building bridges for the generations to come, and a stronger more united East Africa region,” she concluded.

As the dinner ended, a couple of parents and alumni members drawn from various industries shared their journey and experiences as part of the alumni community with the recurring theme being the opportunities created while on campus, and indeed the education that took them places worldwide for work opportunities, networks, internships, community service, study abroad and exchange programs, among others.

“It was worthwhile that our children went through USIU-Africa because the education acquired and the opportunities they got exposed to tremendously changed the trajectory of their lives,” mentioned one of the parents in their closing remarks.